Nuestra Señora del Carmen, su promesa y devoción. PARTE 1.

This feast was instituted by the Carmelites between 1376 and 1386 under the title “Commemoratio B. Marif Virg. duplex” to celebrate the victory of their order over its enemies in obtaining the approval of its name and constitution from Honorius III on January 30, 1226 (see Colvenerius, "Kal. Mar.", 30 Jan. "Summa Aurea", III, 737). The feast was placed on July 16, since on that date in 1251, according to Carmelite tradition, Saint Simon Stock received the scapular from the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was approved by Sixtus V in 1587. After Cardinal Bellarmine examined Carmelite traditions in 1609, it was declared the patronal feast of the order and is currently celebrated in the Carmelite calendar as a major double of the first class with a vigil and a privileged octave (like the octave of the Epiphany, which allows only one double of the first class) under the title “Commemoratio solemnis B.V.M. de Monte Carmelo” (Solemn Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel). Some Carmelite monasteries keep the feast on the Sunday after July 16 or on some other Sunday in July, a privilege granted by Clement X in 1672. In the 17th century, the feast was adopted by many dioceses in southern Italy, despite being prohibited in non-Carmelite churches since 1628 by a decree against abuse. However, on November 21, 1674, Clement X permitted its celebration in Spain and its colonies, in 1675 in Austria, in 1679 in Portugal and its colonies, and in 1725 in the Papal States. On September 24, 1726, it was extended to the entire Latin Church by Benedict XIII. The readings contain the legend of the scapular; the promise of the Sabbatine Privilege was inserted into the readings by Paul V around 1614. The Greek Catholics of southern Italy and the Chaldean Catholics have adopted this feast of the “Garment of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The purpose of the feast is to acknowledge Mary’s special predilection for those who wear her scapular and call themselves her servants (see CARMELITES). FREDERICK G. HOLWECK Transcribed by Paul T. Crowley Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Mary's Catholic Church and associated missions, Vaughn, New Mexico